this were a simple game for thee to play; though it is not far from
my mind, for fighting when I needs must win is no dull work. Look
you, if I slay or vanquish thee, then all is said; and if by some
chance stroke thou slayest me, then is thine only helper in this
matter gone from thee. Now to be short, I bid thee come aboard to me
if thou wouldst ever hear another word of thy damsel betrothed. And
moreover this need not hinder thee to fight with me if thou hast a
mind to it thereafter; for we shall soon come to a land big enough
for two to stand on. Or if thou listest to fight in a boat rocking
on the waves, I see not but there may be manhood in that also."

Now was the hot wrath somewhat run off Hallblithe, nor durst he lose
any chance to hear a word of his beloved; so he said: "Big man, I
will come aboard. But look thou to it, if thou hast a mind to bewray
me; for the sons of the Raven die hard."

"Well," said the big man, "I have heard that their minstrels are of
many words, and think that they have tales to tell. Come aboard and
loiter not." Then Hallblithe waded the surf and lightly strode over
the gunwale of the skiff and sat him down. The big man thrust out
into the deep and haled home the sheet; but there was but little
wind.

Then said Hallblithe: "Wilt thou have me row, for I wot not
whitherward to steer?"

Said the red carle: "Maybe thou art not in a hurry; I am not: do as
thou wilt." So Hallblithe took the oars and rowed mightily, while
the alien steered, and they went swiftly and lightly over the sea,
and the waves were little.